KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The 2026 change of command season concluded with multiple leadership transitions across organizations located at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea.
Spanning mission partners, tenant units and organizations, the ceremonies recognized outgoing commanders for their leadership and service while formally welcoming the new leadership:
- The 8th Operations Support Squadron, formerly led by Lt. Col. James Davis is now commanded by Lt. Col. Robert Matthews.
- The 8th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, formerly led by Lt. Col. Sarah Kelly is now commanded by Lt. Col. James Rutland.
- The 8th Security Forces Squadron, formerly led by Lt. Col. Ryan Kiggins is now commanded by Maj. Adam Palmer.
- The 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron, formerly led by Lt. Col. Irene Fernández is now commanded by Lt. Col. Ryan McGaughey.
- The 8th Comptroller Squadron, formerly led by Maj. Teddy Oteba is now commanded by Maj. Baohan Huynh.
- The 8th Civil Engineer Squadron, formerly led by Lt. Col. Joseph Pickenpaugh is now commanded by Lt. Col. Katrina Maloney.
- The 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron, formerly led by Maj. Elizabeth Stevens is now commanded by Maj. Anthony King.
- The 8th Communications Squadron, formerly led by Lt. Col. Stephen Perkins is now commanded by Maj. Ali Syed.
- The 8th Maintenance Squadron, formerly led by Maj. Dustin Woosley is now commanded by Maj. Michael Parkjung.
- The 8th Force Support Squadron, formerly led by Maj. Tawny Pelletier is now commanded by Maj. Kenneth Lee.
- The Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery, formerly led by Capt. Anthony Perez is now commanded by Capt. Sidharth Kher.
- Finally, the 8th Maintenance Group activated the 8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, now commanded by Maj. Ian Rohde.
Rooted in military tradition dating back to the Roman era, change of command ceremonies symbolize the formal transfer of authority and responsibility while reinforcing continuity of leadership, mission readiness and trust within the unit.